Earlier today I was watching the live feed of one of speed skating’s regular “world cup” events – one of a series of races held throughout the skating season in which points are awarded for various positions (100 for first, 80 for second, 70 for third, etc.) and in which most of the world’s elite speed skaters participate to earn points, cash prizes, and television exposure for sponsors. The final event of today’s racing was the Men’s 1000m event, which has turned into a very closely-contested affair between Dutch skater Kjeld Nuis, and Russian skater Pavel Kuliznikov (Павел Кулижников).